It’s that time again! The most wonderful, exciting, and rewarding time of the year — ENLISTING and RECRUITING fall leadership (do you hear the sarcasm?).
KidMin leaders share with me all the time how frustrating and discouraging enlistment can be. Regardless of the size of your church, we all seem to need more workers. Just when you think you’ve finally filled all the vacancies, someone resigns. What do you do?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a “magic potion” that will discover and develop leaders, but I do think there are some good principles to be reminded of that will help us recruit well and retain those we recruit.
- God is in control. Pray! God wants your ministry to be a success! Start the enlistment process in prayer, asking God to lead you as you seek leaders and touch the hearts of those whom He desires to serve in KidMin. Basic, yes. Do I need to be reminded, definitely! Pray!
- Organization is your friend. Get organized. Know what you need and create a spreadsheet to help you visually see where you are and the progress you’re making. I find it rewarding to “fill in the blanks” as God lead folks to volunteer.
- Share the joy. You don’t have to do all the enlistment yourself. Use the current leadership to help you. Together we’re much more effective than trying to attempt as a “solo” act.
- You have not because you ask not. When enlisting leadership I’ve had people say to me, “I’ve just been waiting for someone to ask.” (At that point I have to hold myself back from physically shaking them and screaming, “Didn’t you know we were in need?”) Don’t assume that everyone will answer God’s still small voice. They may be waiting on you to express the request audibly.
- Be enthusiastic. No one wants to be part of something that not exciting. Share enthusiastically the opportunity your church has to minister to young families. Enthusiasm and excitement are contagious!
- Don’t forget the men. Men are great assets in a kid’s classroom. Don’t assume they don’t want to serve. If you have wives who regularly serve alone consider asking the husband to join them.
- Consider the “buddy system.” Good friends are more apt to say yes when asked to serve together. Think buddies … think friends … think about pairs of volunteers.
- Equip your volunteers. Tell them you’ll provide them with the resources they’ll need to be successful — then DO IT!
- Support and appreciate your workers. Make sure they see you when they’re serving and make sure they know how much they are appreciated. Consider working with your Senior Pastor to create a thank you card and small token of appreciation for those who volunteer. Everyone likes to feel appreciated.
I’d love to hear what you have found successful when it comes to enlisting leaders in your Kids Ministry. Comment and share!
Bill Emeott Since 2003 Bill Emeott has served as a Kids Ministry Specialist for Lifeway. His passions include childhood ministry leadership training and development, leading children’s Bible Study, and being an Uncle! Bill has been teaching children at First Baptist Nashville for ten years.
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